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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Architecture arc42 |  Architecture Software Architecture Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Polarity Mapping makes tensions between two opposing poles tangible, such as standardization and adaptation or control and autonomy. The method guards against making apparent either-or decisions prematurely. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. | The Software Architecture Canvas reduces a system to the most important architecture decisions, constraints, and interfaces. It is useful when teams need a resilient overall picture quickly. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 1-2 Tage | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 1-4 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop |
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